Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded a series of high-level diplomatic engagements in the U.S. capital today, marked by a pivotal meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and a prominent role in the inaugural session of the “Board of Peace” led by President Donald J. Trump.
Prime Minister @CMShehbaz held informal and cordial interactions with several world leaders in #Washington, where he is attending the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace@PakPMO @ForeignOfficePk @PakinUSA #RadioPakistan #News https://t.co/HXBvUew1ER pic.twitter.com/epH3C1ePFx
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) February 20, 2026
Strengthening U.S.-Pakistan Strategic Partnership
In a formal meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the two sides discussed a robust agenda focused on economic security and regional stability. According to a State Department statement, the dialogue centered on:
- Critical Minerals & Energy: Following Pakistan’s participation in the Critical Minerals Ministerial, the U.S. welcomed Islamabad’s engagement in developing its mineral and energy sectors, identifying new commercial avenues for American companies.
- Counter-Terrorism: Secretary Rubio offered condolences for the recent attacks in Balochistan and Islamabad, reaffirming a shared commitment to dismantling terrorist networks.
- Diplomatic Appreciation: The U.S. Secretary thanked Pakistan for its role as a founding member of the “Board of Peace” and for its support of the Gaza peace framework.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar characterized the discussions as “meaningful,” noting that Pakistan values its longstanding relationship with the United States and looks forward to expanding bilateral trade and strategic cooperation.
Thank you @SecRubio.
Pakistan values its longstanding relationship with the United States and appreciates the meaningful discussions we had today on advancing peace, cooperation in fighting against terrorism, and expanding bilateral economic and trade ties. We look forward to… https://t.co/xjp2FqmBJZ— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) February 20, 2026
Advancing Global Peace: The Board of Peace & Gaza
Addressing the inaugural session of the Board of Peace—headquartered at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace—Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a call for an immediate end to ceasefire violations in Gaza. He emphasized that durable peace and reconstruction are only possible if Palestinians exercise full control over their land in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
The Prime Minister lauded President Trump’s “untiring efforts” in mediating the Gaza crisis, stating that the achievement of lasting peace in the region would stand as the President’s enduring legacy.
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Commending Mediation in South Asia
A significant moment of the summit included a retrospective on the May 2025 Pakistan-India crisis. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif credited President Trump’s “bold diplomacy” with defusing a conflict that could have cost tens of millions of lives, describing him as a “saviour of South Asia.”
President Trump, in his remarks, recalled his decisive intervention and economic warnings to both nations, which facilitated a swift de-escalation. He further praised the Prime Minister and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir for their role in managing the crisis and for publicly acknowledging the success of international mediation.
Broadening Diplomatic Horizons On the sidelines of the forum, the Prime Minister held informal consultative meetings with several global leaders, including:
- His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa (Bahrain)
- President Ilham Aliyev (Azerbaijan)
- President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (Uzbekistan)
- President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (Kazakhstan)
- President Prabowo Subianto (Indonesia)
These engagements underscore the growing success of Pakistan’s proactive diplomatic policy, positioning the country as a key stakeholder in global peace initiatives and an emerging hub for international economic investment.
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